![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.migrantwatch.in\/mwblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/arun-bharos-cropped2.jpg\" "\\"AMK")
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Where do you live?<\/em> Who would you consider your birding mentor?<\/em> What are your favourite migrants?<\/em> Why do you think people should care about birds and nature?<\/em> Is there any other information that you’d like to share with MigrantWatchers?<\/em>
\nI live in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh.
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\nWhen did you start watching birds?<\/em>
\nI started birdwatching in the late 1970s. However, I became more systematic in 1980 and since then I have been maintaining a daily record of sightings of all birds and other fauna wherever I have been.<\/p>\n
\nThe one person who inspired me the most and initiated me into birding was my father late Mr R R Bharos, who was himself an outstanding naturalist.
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\nPlease describe a memorable birding experience.<\/em>
\nWhile it is difficult to isolate a single event, I particularly cherish one incident in Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary back in 1985 when I encountered the White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopos javensis<\/em>). This sighting, which was the first for the region, helped establish a crucial missing link in the distribution of the species. It was subsequently published in the Journal of Bombay Natural History Society.<\/p>\n
\nAmong migrant birds I am particularly keen on waders and warblers. The more challenging the species the more interesting I find it!
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\nWhat is your favourite place to watch migrants?<\/em>
\nAlthough I like birding in heronries or wetlands, I am happy to watch birds anywhere \u2013 even at home.
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\nDo you have any advice for beginning birdwatchers and naturalists?<\/em>
\nMy advice for starting birders is to have dedication and concentration. They should not hesitate to learn from experienced birdwatchers and naturalists whenever the opportunity comes.<\/p>\n
\nThere is lots to say on this, but to summarise in a sentence: because birds are excellent indicators of a healthy environment.<\/p>\n
\nBy profession I am an electrical engineer (I retired as Secretary, Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board in 2004). But I have always been a keen naturalist and have been involved in various natural history organisations. I have published about 70 articles in national and international natural history journals. I currently represent the Chhattisgarh Wildlife Society, which is one of the most active wildlife groups in the state.<\/p>\n